In a Feb. 1 post on the Psychology Today blog, Ugo Uche -- a counselor with expertise in adolescent issues -- described two "golden rules" that can help parents provide a healthier and more supportive environment for their adopted teens:

While most teenagers go through a period of crisis, highlighted by identity formation; for adopted teenagers, the process presents with significantly higher complications. &

There are two golden rules to parenting a child, biological or adopted, and I have noticed that parents who are more consistent with adhering to these rules, on average have children with a healthier sense of identities.

These two rules are unconditional acceptance of self and unconditional acceptance of your child.

Labels: teens, parenting advice, acceptance

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Another teenager was left at a Nebraska hospital recently, bringing the number of children abandoned under the state's "Safe Haven" law to 24. None of the children have been newborns, and three have been from out of state.

"When lawmakers tackle the issue at a special session on Nov.14, they will find no national consensus on what the age limit should be... Speaker of the legislature, state Sen. Mike Flood, a Republican, said he will introduce a bill establishing a 3-day-old age limit, but the legislature could change that."

There is currently no national standard for Safe Haven law age limits. The laws are created to provide a way for parents to leave a child they can't care for at a hospital, police department, or fire station. According the laws in most states, parents relinquish all rights, and the child becomes immediately available for adoption. Source: Associated Press

Labels: laws, teens, safe-haven

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When Josh and Kaleb first came to the Eilers family, they were quite and suspicious. But now they realize that they're a permanent part of the family and they've begun to come out of their shells.

"Their parents are Rich and Tracy Eilers. The couple doesn't claim to be experts, but they've learned a lot about adopting teenagers. 'Things we take for granted. Standing around making brownies in the kitchen,' Tracy said. 'It really is the simple things. It's not the fancy things, it's not the money, it's not the going and spending. It's just the doing, and going together.'"

Rich and Tracy admit that there are unique challenges associated with adopting teenagers. There are "gaps" that need filling. But over time, they're being filled, and Josh and Kaleb are enjoying their forever family.

Programs for troubled teens can help your child turn his life around and get back on track. Visit 4TroubledTeens.com to get your teen help today.

Labels: families, teens, advice

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Older children who have been in foster care often are overlooked by those considering adoption, but a display by the Adoption Coalition of Texas showcasing photographs of children in need of a permanent home is intended to help change that. Learn more online.

Labels: teens, advocacy, adoptive_families

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